on the one hand

Idioms  

1. Also, on one hand. As one point of view, from one standpoint. This phrase is often paired with on the other hand to indicate two sides of an issue. For example, On the one hand this car is expensive; on the other hand, it's available and we need it right now. [First half of 1600s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

on the one hand

“It’s this weird thing, on the one hand, I want them to enjoy this connection they have,” Close said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 23, 2026

I think on the one hand he shared a problem with his entire world of aristocrats.

From Slate ● Mar. 2, 2026

The shooting in Minneapolis serves as a stark reminder of the stubborn gap that often persists between law and policy on the one hand and best law enforcement practices for protecting life on the other.

From Salon ● Jan. 10, 2026

"I feel like on the one hand my life has completely changed, but I also feel exactly the same in a good way."

From BBC ● Dec. 23, 2025

As far as he was concerned, there were only two sources of knowledge: reason on the one hand, and on the other sense experience, memory and testimony, all of which established matters of fact.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton